Failure of devices used for closure of atrial septal defects: mechanisms and management.

Various devices for transcatheter ASD closure are undergoing clinical trials. Each new device claims advantages in terms of safety and efficacy over earlier devices. We report three cases in which a new investigational device--the Das angel wings--failed. Emergency operations were necessary for device retrieval and defect closure. The possible mechanisms of the event and the options in management are discussed with a review of literature on all devices.